Nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools

ABSTRACT

A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools is provided, including a first gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool, a retaining wall on the pool-side of the first gutter conduit over the top of which wall a skimming flow of water may run from the pool into the first gutter conduit, a second gutter conduit adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the first gutter conduit, and a fluid flow connection between the two gutter conduits at such level and below the top of the retaining wall allowing water flow from the first gutter conduit into the second gutter conduit whenever the water level on the first gutter conduit reaches the fluid flow connection, thereby inhibiting filling of the first gutter conduit appreciably above such level.

United States Patent Baker [54] NONFLOODING PERIMETER SKIMMING GUTTER FOR SWIMMING POOLS [72] Inventor: William H. Baker, 403 Loudonville Road,

Albany, NY. 12211 [22] Filed: Jan. 18, 1971 [21] Appl. N0.: 107,188

[52] U.S. Cl ..4/l72.17, 52/210 [51] ..E04h3/l6,E04h 3/18 [58] Field ofSearch ..4/172, 172.17, 172.15, 172.18, 4/172.19, 172.21; 210/169 [5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,797,397 3/1931 Booraam et a1 ..4/172.l8 2,932,397 4/1960 Ogden ..4/172.18 X 3,155,989 11/1964 Anderson ..4/172 3,316,934 5/1967 Sowers .210/169 X 3,319,264 5/1967 Scaranom, ..4/l72.17 3,363,767 l/1968 Ellis ..210/169 51 June 13, 1972 3,391,790 7/1968 Lerner ..4/172. 17 3,432,867 3/ 1969 Whitten, Jr. ..4/172.17 3,537,111 11/1970 Whitten, .lr ..229/14 Primary EtaminerHenry K. Artis AtI0rney-Janes & Chapman [57] ABSTRACT A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools is provided, including a first gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool, a retaining wall on the pool-side of the first gutter conduit over the top of which wall a skimming flow of water may run from the pool into the first gutter conduit, a

second gutter conduit adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the first gutter conduit, and a fluid flow connection between the two gutter conduits at such level and below the top of the retaining wall allowing water flow from the first gutter conduit into the second gutter conduit whenever the water level on the first gutter conduit reaches the fluid flow connection, thereby inhibiting filling of the first gutter conduit appreciably above such level.

28 Claims, 6 Drawing figures PATENTEDJUH 1 3 I972 SHEET 3 OF 4 NONFLOODING PERIMETER SKIMMING GUTI'ER FOR SWIMMING POOLS The gutter system of a swimming pool is one of its most important components, and its design is determinative of many of the characteristics of the pool. However, what constitutes good gutter design has long been a perplexing problem, in much dispute. What is recognized is that a swimming pool gutter system must provide an adequate surge flow capacity,

especially when the pool is filled with swimmers, and it should not flood when a large group of swimmers enters the pool all at once. It should also provide a good surgeand wavequelling capacity. its ability to cope with surges and waves produced by swimmers is quite important to the competitive qualities of the swimming pool.

A- problem related to gutter design is the removal of surface dirt. Some types of gutters are designed to provide a skimming action, but it has generally been conceded that the most efficient type of skimming action is provided by the scum gutter type of pool, and on all pools over 1,600 square feet in area, scum gutters are provided as a matter of course. In fact, in some states, surface skimmers are not permitted.

One type of swimming pool with a perimeter gutter provides for flow of water over the top of the gutter wall into the gutter trough at all times. Such a gutter system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,932,397 to Ogden dated Apr. 12, 1960. Another and older design appears in U.S. Pat. No. 1,797,397 to Booraem dated Mar. 24, 193 1. Such a gutter provides a most efficient skimming action under normal flow conditions, but as soon as swimmers enter the pool, or a heavy surge or wave action is encountered, the additional flow of water over the top of the gutter tends to flood the gutter, after which skimming action is lost until the water can be drained away, and in fact some of the'dirt already in the gutter may be washed back.

In an attempt to alleviate such a condition, a modification of the Ogden gutter has been proposed in U.S. Pat. No.

3,363,767 to Ellis dated Jan. 16,.1968, incorporating a plurality of skimmer openings spaced around the gutter at a lower level than the top of the gutter. in this system, when the pool is not in use, theskimmer weir is opened and skimming is obtained via the openings into the gutter (column 2, lines 19 to 24). When the pool is in use, the skimmer .weirs are closed (column 2, lines 12 to 13), but the water level is held down below the lip of the gutter, providing a certain in pool surge capacity, and avoiding a flooded gutter condition at the time of flow surges. However, when the pool is in heavy use and there is considerable wave or surge action over the top of the gutter, surface contaminants washed into the gutter may still be washed back into the pool.

In accordance with the invention, a nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools is provided which permits an adequate skimming action at all times, and also provides for an adequate surge capacity when the pool is in use, without the possibility of the gutters flooding, or dirt in the gutters being washed back into the pool. This is accomplished by combining a second gutter conduit in fluid flow connection with the first gutter conduit, and-adapted to receive water from the first gutter conduit whenever the level of waterin that gutter exceeds a predetermined maximum, established at the level of the fluid flow connection therebetween. This fluid flow connection is below the top of the retaining wall, so that the water level in the first gutter conduit cannot reach the retaining wall. The second gutter conduit is entirely separate from the first, and is designed to. provide an ample reserve flow capacity to accommodate any heavy wave or surge action that may be likely to be encountered. The fluid flow connection between the gutter conduits can be arranged to skim the dirt off the top of the first guttertrough, thus assisting in preventing this dirt from being washed back into the pool.

in this gutter system, the water level in the pool is normally maintained at the level at the top of the retaining wall, which consequently serves as a skimmer gutter at the pool perimeter. The fluid flow connection may constitute a second skimming flow outlet, supplementing and continuing the skimming action of the first.

Accordingly, the nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools provided in accordance with the invention comprises, in combination, a'first gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool; a retaining wall on the pool-side of the first gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the first gutter conduit; and a second gutter conduit in fluid flow communication with the first, such fluid flow communication entering the first gutter conduit at a level below the top of the retaining wall, and adapted to drain off water from the first gutter conduit at any level exceeding a predetermined maximum level therein, so as to inhibit and preferably prevent the level of water in the first gutter conduit from ever reaching the top of the retaining wall.

The term conduit" as used herein is inclusive of open con-' duits or troughs as well as duits. v

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second gutter conduit is in the form of a closed conduit, the pool-side wall of which serves as the retaining wall, and the first gutter partially or wholly enclosed conconduit is an open trough, with the fluid flow connection therebetween being in the form of a plurality of openings at the predetermined maximum level of water in the first gutter conduit.

in a still more preferred embodiment of the invention, a water-feed conduit is provided in the gutter for feed of fresh water into the pool. This conduit is preferably an integral part of the nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter, and in the preferred embodiment the water feed conduit is disposed beneath the second gutter conduit.

In the case where the two gutters are separated by a common wall, the fluid flow connection between the two gutters can be provided by a plurality of openings through the wall, which openings can be of any configuration, and are in sufficient number to provide for an adequate flow capacity to prevent the water level in the first gutter conduit from appreciably exceeding the height of the fluid flow connection under any water surge or'wave conditions in the pool.

Such openings may also serve as skimmer openings for dirt floating in the first gutter conduit. in this event, such openings preferably provide an open area at the predetermined maximum water level within the range from about 50 percent to about 75 percent of the perimeter of the first gutter conduit at -that level, and are elongated and substantially horizontal.

from lzl to 100:1, although the latter limit is not critical, and

I is actually imposed only by the feasible length of gutter section, and the strength of the material used for the gutter walls.

The level of the openings with respect to the bottom of the first gutter conduit can be adjustable, soas to provide adjustment of the water level permitted in the first gutter conduit before flow via the openings into the second gutter conduit commences. This adjustment can be provided for by forming the openings in the common wall as vertical slots or with an extended vertical height, and disposing a movable barrier member over the openings, with the opening or openings of the desired sizeand shape in the barrier member. Vertical movement of the barrier member over the wall openings adjusts the height of the opening or openings in the barrier member, and this is always in register with the openings in the wall. There has to be a fluid-tight seal between the barrier member and the common wall, which can be provided for by a gasket or O-ring seal therebetweem Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a view in elevation of one embodiment of nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with the invention; r

FIG. 2 represents a view in cross-section,'taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 represents a view in elevation of a second embodiment of nonflooding perimeter gutter in accordance with the invention, incorporating a water feed conduit;

FIG. 4 represents a view in cross-section, taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 represents a' view in elevation of a third embodiment of nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with the invention, incorporating a skimming weir; and

FIG. 6 represents a view in cross-section, taken along the line 6-6 ofFlG. 5.

The perimeter gutter of FIGS. 1 and 2 is made of a number of modular units 1, of which one is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 which are assembled on-site and bonded together by welding,

soldering or brazing, to form a gutter extending around substantially the entire circumference of the swimming pool. Each unit 1 is made of stainless steel sheet, formed with a top coping 2 and an open gutter trough 3 with upstanding sides 4, 5 and a bottom 6. The side 5 is in fact made up of two sections, bonded together-by welding, a lower flange 7 extending upwardly from the bottom 6 of the gutter trough 3, and the side 8 of a closed gutter conduit 10. Y The conduit 10 hasa bottom 11, two upstanding sides, a gutter side wall 8 and a pool side wall 12, and a top 13. The side 12 serves as a perimeter retaining wall for the pool water, as is best seen in FIG. 2.

The gutter-side wall 8 containsa plurality of narrow substantially horizontal slots 14. Water flowing into the slots 14 enters the gutter conduit 10, and such water has its origin in the gutter trough 3, while water flowing over the top 13 of the closed top gutter conduit 10 enters the gutter trough 3.

DUring normal flow conditions, the skimming flow courses over the top 13 of the closed gutter conduit 10. Water from the pool flowing across the top of the pe rimeter gutter 10 enters the gutter trough 3, and is thence led back through the pool recirculation system by way of the filter and pump to the water feed intake for the pool. Dirt washed into the gutter by the skimming action is removed at the filter. The recirculation system and dirt removal filter system are conventional, and are not shown.

When swimmers enter the pool, the water level may rise, and their movement may also create flow surges and waves. This increases the flow in water across the top 13 of the conduit 10 and the amount and level of,water in the gutter trough 3 increases. In the even that the water level in the gutter reaches the levelof the slots I4, such water can flow through the slots 14 into the gutter conduit 10. The flow capacity of the slots 14 is such that the water level in the gutter trough 3 cannot rise appreciably above the level of the slots under any surge or wave flow conditions. A further and adequate reserve in surge flow capacity is provided by the additional height by the wall 5 between the slots 14 and the top 13 of the gutter, so that the gutter trough 3 never floods under any surge or wave conditions. Water entering the gutter conduit 10 also is led back through the pool recirculation system by way of the filter and pump to the water feed intake for the pool.

While the water level in the gutter trough 3 is at the slots 14, such slots may also introduce a skimming action, dirt at their level in the trough 3 passing through the slots 14 into the closed conduit 10, and effectively cleaning the gutter 3 of dirt. In the unlikely event that the water in the trough could reach the top of the gutter retaining wall 13, there would be no dirt left on its surface, so that dirt would not be washed back in the pool. The dirt entering the conduit 10 via slots 14 is kept completely separate from the gutter 3 and is removed separately in the pool water recirculation system.

The gutter system in FIGS. 3 and 4 is similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2, with the provision of a clean water feed conduit 30 below the second gutter conduit 29. This perimeter gutter is also made up of a number of modular gutter units 20, which are fitted together about the perimeter of the pool during construction of the pool, the abutting ends being bonded together by welding, brazing or soldering. The open gutter trough 22 is made of a sheet of stainless steel, formed in the configuration shown in FIG. 4, with a top coping 21 and an open gutter trough 22, formed with upstanding sides 23, 24 and the bottom 25. The side 24 of the trough is actually made up of three parts, the upstanding flange 26, extending from the bottom 25, the portion 27, which also serves as the side wall of the clean water inlet feed conduit 30, and the side 28 of the second gutter conduit 29.

The inlet feed conduit 30 is formed of stainless steel tubing, and the second closed gutter conduit 29 is formed of a sheet of stainless steel, folded around in a ends l7, 18 to the top sides 27, 32 of the feed conduit 30. The feed conduit 30 has a bottom 31 and a pool side 32, with a top 33 serving also as the bottom of the second gutter conduit 29 directly above. The second gutter conduit 29 has a gutter side 28, a bottom 33, an upstanding pool-side 34, and a top 35. The sides 32, 34 together constitute a retaining wall about the perimeter of the pool as it is best seen in FIG. 4.

The water feed conduit 30 includes in pool-side wall 32 a plurality of openings 36, regularly spaced about the pool, and serving as pool feed inlets for clean water from the feed conduit 30 into the pool,'below the surface of the. water level in the pool, as is seen in FIG. 4. The side 28 of the gutter conduit 29 is provided with a plurality of horizontal slots 37. These provide at the water level shown an open area for flow equal to about 75 percent of the perimeter of the gutter trough 22, but the open area can be as low as desired, down to l percent or less, since they need provide only a gutter overflow capacity.

The skimming action of this gutter system is exactly the same as that of FIGS. 1 and 2. The water level in the pool is at the top 35 of the gutter, and the water flow across the top 35 of the gutter provides the skimming action, din being washed over the top into the gutter trough 22. Water in the trough is fed back through the water-recirculation system to the filter and pump, where it is cleaned, and then recirculated to the pool by way of the feed conduit-30 and inlets 36. The water inlet feed by way of the conduit'30 and openings 36 through the wall 32 provides a uniform distribution of fresh water throughout the perimeter of the pool, matching the skimming flow, which is equally uniform about the perimeter of the pool by way of the top of the gutter 35.

In the event that the water level in thepool rises, due to swimmers entering the water, and also in the case of water surges or wave action, the flowof water across the top 35 of the gutter is increased, and the amount of water in the gutter trough 22 rises. If the water level in the trough 22 reaches the slots 37 in the wall 28, flow then begins through the slots into the second gutter conduit 29, and such flow prevents the water level in the trough 22 from rising further. The flow capacity of the slots is such that it is most unlikely, if not impossible, that the water level in the gutter trough 22 will ever rise appreciable above this level, thus preventing flooding of the gutter, and also preventing any dirt in the gutter trough 22 from being washed back into the pool. Even if the flow capacity of the slots 37 is exceeded momentarily, there is still a reserve wall height between the slots 37 and the top 35 of the gutter which will prevent flooding. While the water level is at the slots 37, the slots continue the skimming action of the top 35 of the gutter, and the dirt washed over the top 35 into the gutter trough 22 then proceeds through the slots 37 into the gutter conduit 29, whence it is carried off by the pool recirculation system to the filter, and removed, before the water is recirculated to the pool.

The perimeter gutter system shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a weir as well as a water feed conduit. This perimeter gutter is also made up of a number of modular gutter units 40, which are fitted together about the perimeter of the pool during construction of the pool, the abutting ends being bonded together by welding, brazing or soldering. Each unit includes a first gutter conduit 42, a second gutter conduit 50, a water inlet feed conduit 51, and a skimming weir 60. The first gutter conduit is in the form of an open trough 42 made of two sheets and butt-welded at its of stainless steel, folded in the configuration shown in FIG. 6. The first sheet forms a top coping 41, and the upstanding side 43, of gutter trough 42, and the side 48 and bottom 49 of the second gutter conduit 50. The bottom 45 and side 44 are a part of another sheet of stainless steel, of which one end at 45 is butt-welded to side 43, and the remainder is folded so as to form the top 46 and upstanding side 47 of the gutter conduit 50, serving as the pool retaining side wall of the perimeter gutter. A third piece of stainless steel is folded around to form a water feed conduit 51, bonded at 52 to the bottom flange 53, and bonded at 54 to the pool-retaining side wall 47 of the conduit 50. The water feed conduit 51 includes a bottom 55, a side 56, a top 57, and a side 58. Thus the pool-side wall 56 of the water feed conduit 51 and the pool-side wall 47 of the second gutter conduit 50 serve as the pool-retaining walls of the perimeter gutter. The wall 56 of the water feed conduit is provided with a number of openings 76 for a flow of the fresh water into the pool at a level below the pool level at the top of the perimeter gutter 46.

It will now be apparent that the second gutter conduit 50 is defined by bottom 49, wall 58, top 57, wall 47, top 46, wall 44, bottom 45, and wall 48.

In a cut out portion 59 of the second gutter conduit 50 is fitted a skimming weir 60, composed of a weir housing 61, whose top 62 is flush with the top 46 of the second gutter conduit, and which is provided with a bottom 63 and side walls 64. A flow passage 65 extends through the weir housing 61, from the retaining wall 47 to the back wall 44 of the second gutter conduit. The bottom 63 is provided with a longitudinal slot 66 extending all the way across the flow passage 65, and providing a direct fluid connection between the pool and the second gutter conduit 50.

Disposed across the flow passage 65 is a gate weir 67, which is pivotally mounted at one edge 68 on pivot pins 69. A flap 70 extends from the edge 68 of the gate 67 in the other direction beyond the pivot pin 69. Attached to the flap 70 is a counterweight 71, which serves to hold the gate 67 is a position such that the leading edge 72 is well above the bottom 63 of the flow passage 65. The gate weir is designed to close automatically, in the event that flow through the fluid passage 65 is above a predetermined maximum water level.

. It will be evident that the flow passage 65 serves as a skimmer passage for a skimming flow of water from the pool into the gutter conduit 50. In the event that the water level in the passage 65 rises to a level at which the water encounters the leading edge 72 of the gate 67, the fluid pressure exerted by the water on the gate overcomes the counterbalancing force of the counterweight 71, and the gate is moved from the position shown in FIG. 6 to the closed position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6, and static head fluid pressure holds it in this position while water continues at this level. Should the water level subside, the fluid pressure exerted on the gate 67 diminishes, and eventually the counterbalancing force of the counterweight 71 is sufficient to return the gate to the upper position shown in FIG. 6, reopening the passage 65 for skimming flow.

The non-flooding gutter and supplementary skimming flow features of the invention are operative while the gate weir'67 is in the closed position. In this position, skimming flow via passage 65 is halted, and skimming flow (if there be any) is over the top 62 of the weir and the top 46 of the second gutter conduit 50. Such skimming flow enters the open gutter trough 42, just as in the case where a weir is not provided. The water in gutter 42 is carried to the water recirculation system, through the filter and the pump, and back to the pool by way of the clean water feed conduit 51 and openings 76.

in the event that there is a flow surge or wave action, in-

creasing the amount of water in the trough 42 to the point where the water level reaches the level of the passageway 65,

water can flow into the passage 65 and by way of the slot 66 into the second feed conduit 50, which thus provides a reserve gutter flow capacity in the event that flow surges and wave actions approach the capacity of gutter 42. The amount of flow capacity provided by the passage 65 and the slot 66 is more than adequate to accommodate any unusual flow surges or wave actions, since the size of the slot is equal to the full capacity of the passageway 65.

While the water level in the gutter trough 42 is at the level of the bottom 63 and the passageway 65, the slot 66 serves as a skimming outlet, and any debris floating on the surface of the water in the gutter 42 is carried through slot 66 into the second gutter conduit 50, whence the dirt is removed in the water recirculation system at the filter, as before.

The perimeter gutters shown in the drawings are made of stainless steel, but it will, of course, be understood that other metals can be used, such as galvanized iron and steel, and aluminum, as well as anodized aluminum. Whatever the metallic material, its surface should be treated so as to render it corrosion-resistant, as by plating, galvanizing, anodizing, porcelainenamel coating, or painting. It is also possible to form the perimeter gutter of plastic material, either in whole or in part. There are plastics now available which are sufficiently strong to withstand the wear and tear of a perimeter gutter system, including, for example, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, polycarbonate resin, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyesters, polypropylene, polyamides, and synthetic rubbers such as polyisoprene, polybutadiene, butadiene-styrene copolymers, and butadieneisoprene copolymers.

The preferred construction is from a sheet or several sheets of metallic or plastic material, which are formed into the desired configuration, as is seen in the cross-sectional drawings. It is usually preferred that the coping portion at the top rear of the perimeter gutter extend at least partially, and preferably wholly, across an open gutter trough, so as to prevent people from stepping or falling into the gutter. Such can also be prevented by covering the gutter with a grating or grid of metal or plastic, the same or different material from the gutter.

The use of modular units, such as are shown in the drawings, is preferred, because this permits mass production of the gutter system at a point remote from the swimming pool, with easy and inexpensive transportation from that point to swimming pool construction sites anywhere in the world. The modular units can then be assembled on site to form any type or configuration of swimming pool. The modular units can be made in straight sections for rectangular or other straightsided pool shapes, while curved sections can be made for pearshaped, elliptical, circular, or other curved-side pool configurations.

Tl-le modular units can be fitted together by welding, soldering or brazing, in the case of metal units; by bonding-using various types of adhesives, in the case of metal or plastic units; or by heat-sealing, ultrasonic welding, or heat-bonding, in the case of thermoplastic plastic units. Plastic units which are not fully heat-cured can be bonded and then cured in situ to form a permanent bond on site, in the course of construction of the pool.

The perimeter gutter system of the invention can be used completely around the perimeter of a pool, or only partially around the pool perimeter, as desired. The most uniform skimming action and gutter action is, of course, obtained when the entire perimeter of the pool is provided with such a gutter.

While construction of the gutter in the form of modular units has been described, it will also be appreciated that the gutter system can be formed on site in the configurations shown using concrete or plastic material, and can form an integral part of the pool wall, by casting or pouring into suitable frames, so that the material can harden and set in the desired pool shape. The construction of the gutter system is sufficiently simple so that this type of technique can be employed with good results. Since this requires more hand-work, however, and is therefore a more costly method of construction, it

. would not usually be preferred, particularly in the case of large pools, where construction costs may be too high to permit the luxury of a handmade gutter system on the pool site.

The gutter system can also be made from bricks or tiles, which are built up in the desired configuration. These can be the usual types of materials, preferably with a ceramic facing, so that it is leak-proof, with the tiles being bonded together with water-resistant adhesive or cement.

The second gutter conduit can be positioned beside the first gutter conduit, on the pool-side, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, which is preferred, or on the outside of the fist gutter, such as to allow more room and a higher level for a water feed conduit, or to allow for a larger weir perimeter area.

The fresh water feed conduit can be fitted below the second gutter conduit, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, or it can be positioned to one side, or within, or on top of either the first or the second gutter conduit. Thus, an equally effective system is obtained if the feed conduit is placed on the top of the second gutter conduit, abutting the top of the second gutter conduit, so that the top of the feed conduit serves'as the top of the retaining wall at the side of the pool. This type of system is less preferred, since the intake feed is injected into the pool at a higher level closer to the skimming flow, and may interfere with the desired skimming action.

A fresh water feed conduit can thus be fitted within the open gutter trough 3 of FIGS. 1 and 2, at the pool-side wall 5, so as to nestle in the corner of the gutter between wall 5 and bottom 6 of the gutter. A fresh water feed conduit can also be fitted within the gutter trough 22 or closed gutter conduit 29 of FIGS. 3 and 4, or within the gutter trough 42 or closed gutter conduit 50 of FIGS. 5 and 6. In this'event, the inlet V openings must extend not only through the feed conduit but also through the retaining wall of the second gutter. This system is as effective as that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and 5 and ,6, but it is somewhat more difficult to manufacture, because of the fitting of the conduit within the inlet feed problem.

The swimming pool can be equipped with water filtration and cleaning recirculation systems. The gutters usually feed water therein to such systems by gravity. Pumps can be provided, and the gutters can also be provided with jet water inlets to direct a driving How of water along the gutters, to flush out the gutters, and to drive water along the gutter towards the water recirculation system. Such jet water inlets are described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,932,397 to Ogden dated Apr. 12, 1960.

Other variations and modifications in the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Having regard to the foregoing disclosures, the following is claimed, as the inventive and patentable embodiments thereof: 1. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools comprising, in combination, a first gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool; a retaining wall on the poolside of the first gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the first gutter conduit; and

gutter, and the consequent a second gutter conduit in fluid flow connection with the first, 55 such fluid flow connection entering the first gutter conduit at a level below the top of the'retaining wall, and adapted to drain off water from the first gutter conduit at any level exceeding a predetermined maximum level therein, so as to inhibit the of the retaining wall.

2. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 1 in which the second gutter conduit is in the form of a closed conduit, the pool-side wall of which serves as the retaining wall, and the first gutter conduit is an open trough.

3. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 2 in which the fluid flow connection is in the form of a'plurality of slots at the predetermined maximum level of water in the first gutter conduit. I

4. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 2 in which a water-feed conduit is provided in the gutter for feed of fresh water into the pool.

5'. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 4 in which the water-feed conduit is disposed beneath the second gutter conduit.

5 with claim 4 in which the water feed conduit is disposed within the second gutter conduit.

8. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 1 in which the two gutter conduits are separated by 10 a common wall, and the fluid flow connection between the two gutters is provided by a plurality of openings through the wall.

9. A nonflooding perimeter gutter in accordance with claim 1 in which the fluid flow connection can be arranged to enter the first gutter conduit at a selected adjustable level below the top of the retaining wall, to adjust the predetermined maximum level in the first gutter conduit. 1 1

10. A nonflooding perimeter gutter in accordance with claim 1, comprising at least one jet water feed inlet in either the first or the second gutter conduit or both, for driving water and debris along the gutter conduit.

1 l. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 1, in the form of a modular unit adapted to be assembled end-to-end with other such units to form the perimeter gutter of a swimming pool.

12. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a

adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 3.

16. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a

perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 4.

17. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a

perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 8.

level of water in the first gutter conduit from reaching the top 19. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming 18. A nonfloodingperimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1 comprising at least one gate weir movablebetween open and closed positions and disposed through the retaining wall below the top thereof, at aheight when the weir is open to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, and to provide a skimming flow of water through the weir passage, the top of the wall being spaced above the weir at a height to retain the pool water within the pool perimeter when the weir is closed at water flows, wave actions, and surges up to a predetermined minimum, while allowing excessive flows, wave actions, and surges beyond such minimum to flow over the top of the wall into the first gutter conduit.

pools in accordance with claim 18, comprising a clean water feed conduit connecting with at least one water inlet opening through the retaining wall leading to the pool.

20. A perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 19, in which the feed conduit and second gutter conduit are 5 of a swimming pool.

closed and the first gutter conduit is open.

21. A perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 18, in the form of a modular unit adapted to be assembled end-to-end other such units to form the perimeter gutter 22. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 18.

23. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 22, including a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water flowing into and along the gutter trough, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool.

a 24. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 23, in which the water cleaning and recirculating system includes a water filter for cleaning the water and a water pump for returning the clean water to the pool.

25. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools in accordance with claim 18, in which the opening leads a skimming flow of water through the weir passage into the second gutter conduit.

26. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools in accordance with claim 25, in which the fluid flow connection from the first gutter conduit to the second gutter conduit is the weir passage and skimming flow opening therefrom into the second gutter conduit.

27. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof. a perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 25.

28. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof. a perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 26. 

1. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools comprising, in combination, a first gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool; a retaining wall on the pool-side of the first gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the first gutter conduit; and a second gutter conduit in fluid flow connection with the first, such fluid flow connection entering the first gutter conduit at a level below the top of the retaining wall, and adapted to drain off water from the first gutter conduit at any level exceeding a predetermined maximum level therein, so as to inhibit the level of water in the first gutter conduit from reaching the top of the retaining wall.
 2. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 1 in which the second gutter conduit is in the form of a closed conduit, the pool-side wall of which serves as the retaining wall, and the first gutter conduit is an open trough.
 3. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 2 in which the fluid flow connection is in the form of a plurality of slots at the predetermined maximum level of water in the first gutter conduit.
 4. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 2 in which a water-feed conduit is provided in the gutter for feed of fresh water into the pool.
 5. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 4 in which the water-feed conduit is disposed beneath the second gutter conduit.
 6. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 4 in which the water feed conduit is disposed within the first gutter conduit.
 7. A nonfloodiNg perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 4 in which the water feed conduit is disposed within the second gutter conduit.
 8. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 1 in which the two gutter conduits are separated by a common wall, and the fluid flow connection between the two gutters is provided by a plurality of openings through the wall.
 9. A nonflooding perimeter gutter in accordance with claim 1 in which the fluid flow connection can be arranged to enter the first gutter conduit at a selected adjustable level below the top of the retaining wall, to adjust the predetermined maximum level in the first gutter conduit.
 10. A nonflooding perimeter gutter in accordance with claim 1, comprising at least one jet water feed inlet in either the first or the second gutter conduit or both, for driving water and debris along the gutter conduit.
 11. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 1, in the form of a modular unit adapted to be assembled end-to-end with other such units to form the perimeter gutter of a swimming pool.
 12. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim
 1. 13. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 12, including a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water flowing into and along the gutter conduits, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool.
 14. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 13, in which the water cleaning and recirculating system includes a water filter for cleaning the water and a water pump for returning the clean water to the pool.
 15. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim
 3. 16. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim
 4. 17. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim
 8. 18. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools in accordance with claim 1 comprising at least one gate weir movable between open and closed positions and disposed through the retaining wall below the top thereof, at a height when the weir is open to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, and to provide a skimming flow of water through the weir passage, the top of the wall being spaced above the weir at a height to retain the pool water within the pool perimeter when the weir is closed at water flows, wave actions, and surges up to a predetermined minimum, while allowing excessive flows, wave actions, and surges beyond such minimum to flow over the top of the wall into the first gutter conduit.
 19. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools in accordance with claim 18, comprising a clean water feed conduit connecting with at least one water inlet opening through the retaining wall leading to the pool.
 20. A perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 19, in which the feed conduit and second gutter conduit are closed and the first gutter conduit is open.
 21. A perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim 18, in the form of a modular unit adapted to be assembled end-to-end with other such units to form the perimeter gutter of a swimming pool.
 22. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim
 18. 23. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 22, including a water cleaning and recirculating system for collecting water flowing into and along the gutter trough, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool.
 24. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 23, in which the water cleaning and recirculating system includes a water filter for cleaning the water and a water pump for returning the clean water to the pool.
 25. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools in accordance with claim 18, in which the opening leads a skimming flow of water through the weir passage into the second gutter conduit.
 26. A nonflooding perimeter skimming gutter for swimming pools in accordance with claim 25, in which the fluid flow connection from the first gutter conduit to the second gutter conduit is the weir passage and skimming flow opening therefrom into the second gutter conduit.
 27. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim
 25. 28. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and, extending about the upper perimeter of at least a portion of one side wall thereof, a perimeter skimming gutter in accordance with claim
 26. 